CAPTAIN AMERICA: TWS IS ONE OF GREATEST SEQUELS IN MOVIE HISTORY!

Not since 2008's landmark THE DARK KNIGHT has a comic book movie not only been thrilling but engaging with real depth throughout, well after a six year wait Marvel Studios has finally added their dramatic masterwork (thus far) with CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER. This movie edges out 2008's phenomenal IRON MAN for the second best Marvel Studios film, and is practically even with its best entry 2012's AVENGERS. Steve Rodgers (Chris Evans) is back but not in his famous star spangled attire, instead we find Captain America in a muted stealth suit conducting secret missions the world over for S.H.I.E.L.D. Now living in the aftermath of the alien invasion of New York, our hero finds himself at odds with S.H.I.E.L.D because soon threats all around the world will be eliminated before they've even done anything. This isn't the freedom Steve fought so hard for in WW2 or NYC, and even Director of S.H.I.E.L.D Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) is in support of building this "new world". Natasha Romanoff code name Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) is at Rodgers side, but with a past marked by a "ledger full of red", can she even be trusted? Something is wrong, but when your Captain America what do you do when you no longer trust the government? Making matters worse is the arrival of the unstoppable assassin The Winter Soldier, so what will Steve do? What can he do? And who (if anyone) can he trust? I'd like to applaud Marvel for not even coming close to spoiling the tightly written and twist filled screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the pace of the movie is pitch perfect certainly demanding multiple viewings for years to come. A staple in all of Marvel Studios movies is the implementation of humor, and although you'll find some laughter it's barely present and skillfully handled never once becoming "comic booky". Known best for their work on television cult comedies (ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and COMMUNITY) the Russo brothers have superbly directed a great film, and have already been asked back to make the next Captain America movie coming in 2016. Serving as the biggest setup for next years highly anticipated sequel AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, this movie completely tears apart the Marvel Cinematic Universe paving the way for a future of what is sure to be filled with surprise and suspense. Where it's predecessor (2011's CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) fell short, this sequel is pretty much flawless giving one of comic books most famous names the film he truly deserves. This is an incredible blockbuster and the rare kind that makes you think. You'll marvel (shameless pun intended) at the visceral action and spectacle but be most impressed with the heart of the personal relationships on display. Chris Evans once again plays Rodgers to perfection, and watching his character cope with the chaotic world all while never compromising his integrity is something every little kid watching can look up to. Where Joss Whedon began two years ago developing the mysterious Black Widow continues, and Johansson once again elevates Natasha into not only a cold calculated mercenary, but a person we can care about. Samuel L Jackson is given his best take on Nick Fury to date, proving just how pivotal Fury has always been to this world of heroes. Joining the cast is cinema icon Robert Redford, playing senior S.H.I.E.L.D official Alexander Pierce, and Anthony Mackie debuting fan favorite Sam Wilson aka The Falcon. Mackie really excels in every scene he's in and hopefully there's much more Falcon in the Marvel Studio movies to come. Be sure to stay in your seat once the movie ends for two additional scenes, the first being a huge mid-credit scene and the second coming at the very end of all the credits. Joining the likes of GODFATHER: PART 2, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, ALIENS, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY, X2:X-MEN UNITED, SPIDER-MAN 2 and THE DARK KNIGHT, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER is simply one of the finest sequels ever made. Worthy of the critical praise it's garnering and box office it's making, more importantly this movie is worth your time.